'Jo dar gaya woh mar gaya', say cancer survivors

Ahmedabad: They have decided they will not die every moment thinking of death. They have decided that cancer diagnosis is not a death warrant.
On World Cancer Day on Wednesday, cancer survivors shared tales of their battle and how a positive attitude, family support, discipline in food, treatment and lifestyle can help a person tide over the toughest health challenges posed by the disease.
"When I was diagnosed with cancer, I knew I had to be tough to keep the family from breaking down. It was then that I decided that I will not treat cancer as my enemy, but a friend who has helped me see life in a new light," said Pragna Shah, 49, who was diagnosed with breast cancer 10 years ago.
Pragna underwent surgery and has now been declared a cancer survivor. She has penned a book titled Cancer maaro param-sakha' or Cancer-my best friend,' where she has shared her struggle and how she came out a winner.
"Jo dar gaya woh mar gaya. There is no room for fear. One has to decide that one will not die before death itself," says Pragna.
A get-together of cancer survivors was organised by the HCG-Medisurge Hospital where patients, whose cancer has got cured, were taken for an outing at Kankaria lake to interact with their peers and cancer surgeons.
Preetesh Patel, a 31-year-old businessman, says he suffered no symptom whatsoever till he felt a growth in his neck. "I went to the doctor for a routine check-up and was diagnosed with cancer of the thyroid. It may seem surreal but, I did not breakdown. I just took it as another challenge," Preetesh told TOI. He gives credit to his wife Komal for giving him the much-needed support to get going.
Almost all the cancer survivors said that family support is most important. "If the family supports you thoroughly, you get the will power to get well for them," said Kanchan Anand who battled breast cancer one-and-half years ago.
Since Anand's mother had died of breast cancer, she was prepared for the worst and decided to fight it with a smile. "I knew how painful the side-effects of chemotherapy and radiation would be. I was prepared and hence better armed", says Anand.
Sailesh Jadav, 28, who cured of tongue cancer says he has realised that one should not think negative and not die hundred deaths thinking about the future.
"I take care of my diet which includes high protein food and do regular exercise," says Jadav.